Chris Herzog – Aerial Photographer, Switzerland

Aerial photography is a niche skillset that requires a combination of UAV piloting skills, a creative photographic eye and technical editing ability. All DroneBelow High Flyers are selected on the basis of their professionalism, talent and creativity. We invite these drone photographers to interview with us to find out more about what flies their kite.

Chris Herzog – Aerial Photographer, Switzerland

Chri Herzog – 49 years old, happily married father of two boys – has been a passionate amateur photographer for over thirty years. When ever he can, he travels and discover new places. Photography is the means where he expresses his creativity. He favours trying different things, such as landscape, sport, urban and people photography.

How long have you been working as an aerial photographer? What got you into it, and why?

I have seen many awesome aerial pictures on 500px and Instagram. The idea to add a new dimension to my photography and to be able to place the camera in whole new positions was very tempting. A little more than a year ago, I decided to do so by drone.

Your work showcases the beauty of geological formations such as riverbeds and mountain roads. Why are you attracted to these subjects?

I like lines they lead the eye into the image and add a sense of depth to it.

What conditions do you look for to capture a great aerial moment?

Hard to say, it depends on the subject. Morning and late afternoon when the sunlight is not too strong, is usually a good choice. A cloudy sky makes the light soft and adds to the quality of the image. Sometimes the long shadows of trees make a good subject. That only works when the sun stands low.

What has been your favourite capture? Tell us about what you did to get it…were there any challenges or fortuitous conditions?

I have a few favourites… One that comes to my mind was taken in Iceland. It was a wide riverbed with black lava sand. The sand was just partly covered with snow. I really liked the black and white contrast. Sometimes when you fly the drone, you discover unexpected things this certainly was such an occasion.

Your website shows a love of nature and a care for the global environment. How do you see aerial photography assisting in highlighting global issues?

I hope the presented beauty of nature helps rise the awareness for the environment and its fragility.

Do you have a bucket list location? Where is it, and why?

There are so many awesome places to explore here in Switzerland but I am looking forward to travelling to Australia next year.

What do you fly, and what do you love about it?

A DJI Phantom 4 drone. I was surprised how easy it is to fly. It really let me focus on the photography rather than the flying.

How do you see the drone technology expanding or changing in the next 5 years?

I hope that they will improve the cameras. Better resolution and a better possibility to set the shutter speed would be great.

The next 20 years?

They will have a seat for the photographer by then!

Where can readers find out more about what you do?

Chris Herzog

Photography…..is my great passion. Through the lens of my camera I have learned to see the world with other eyes. When I sometimes discover a concealed detail or encounter a special moment and I succeed to capture it, then my heart beats faster and I am fully focused on that scene.